Meet: Benedict and Benedictus

SHREWSBURY ABBEY HERB GARDEN
The present herb garden in front of the west door of the abbey came about as a result of work undertaken by the Shrewsbury Abbey Restoration Project during the 1980's. The design is based on a cross (the parish name is the Holy Cross) and was devised by a lady member of the restoration project. The completed garden was opened by Miss Edith Pargeter on 28`r' June 1987. Miss Pargeter is better known as Ellis Peters, the author of the Brother Cadfael mysteries set in and around Shrewsbury Abbey.
There used to be a visitor attraction based on the mediaeval monasteries and Brother Cadfael situated in the Queen Anne house and remains of Abbey buildings on the opposite side of Abbey Foregate. This business, known as The Shrewsbury Quest, closed a few years ago because of financial problems. It was fortunate to have a wonderful herb garden designed by Dr. Sylvia Landsberg, an international expert on mediaeval gardens. Since the closure of this venue and subsequent loss of its garden those of us who tend the Abbey garden feel it is important to try and keep to herbs grown before the Reformation.
There have been times since its construction when the Abbey garden has become very overgrown because of lack of volunteers however maintenance over the last two or three years has been consistent and we are making good progress. The garden is not perfect in all areas but mediaeval gardens probably weren't either! The list below is of plants we are growing or intend to put in this season:

BACK